The Best Employees Don’t Necessarily Come Fully Skilled

 

In late October 2025, the Executive Director of Adaptive Manufacturing Solutions, Laurie Moncrieff, reached out to inquire if there were any funds available for On-the-Job Training. Laurie had recently interviewed a CNC candidate, and although he had a few years of CNC experience, he was previously trained in MasterCam software. Adaptive Manufacturing Solutions utilizes Fusion 360, a completely different language from what he was used to; he would need several hours of training to effectively use the different software and operate the CNC machines at AMS.

Luckily, GST Michigan Works! did have On-the-Job Training (OJT) funds available, and we immediately went to work to ensure this individual would be WIOA eligible and qualify for the OJT.  Once the individual was determined eligible, a start date was given by Adaptive Manufacturing Solutions. There were only five (5) days between the first communication from Laurie and the employee’s start date. 

With the available funding, Adaptive Manufacturing Solutions decided to take the chance and hire this employee, even though there would be several hours of training ahead. He had a curiosity and a strong understanding of the CNC machining process already; now, he just needed software training. The OJT allowed him a total of 100 training hours to learn the software program and prove to AMS what he could do with the CNC machines. 

By the end of the 100 training hours, he wasn’t just using the new software – he was translating between the systems and ensuring the CNC machines were operating correctly and efficiently.   Proof that his skills weren’t outdated or expired, only in need of updating. Adaptive Manufacturing Solutions didn’t see the $2,000.00 as just any reimbursement; they saw it as leverage. Turning a potential hire into a trained and highly effective employee who has allowed not only himself to grow but also Adaptive Manufacturing Solutions as well. 

He continues to do well at Adaptive Manufacturing Solutions and states that he loves his new job. He foresees a long future at AMS.  Dan Beamer, Plant Manager at AMS, states that his new employee has worked out great, and he’s grateful for the assistance from GST Michigan Works!